LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

The Baton Rouge Area Leadership Program was founded as a program of the BRAC to prepare a diverse group of professionals for leadership positions in the community. There are now over 700 graduates of the program, many of whom serve in leadership positions on boards, commissions, and hold both state and local public offices.

History & Overview

BRAC initiated the Baton Rouge Area Leadership Program in 1985; since that time the program has been an excellent resource for community leaders.

Because the Baton Rouge Area Leadership Program focuses on key areas of concern (e.g., education, cultural and personal diversity, city and state government, healthcare and social concerns, economic development, the arts and media, the criminal justice system, and the environment), graduates leave the program with first-hand knowledge of the issues facing our region and the potential for a positive community experience through volunteerism. Recently, the curriculum has been expanded to allow participants to collectively develop and implement a class project relating to their learning experiences.

Selection Process

Nominees are accepted from public and private agencies, corporations, civic and other organizations, and individual nominators. Applicants are accepted on the basis of demonstrated leadership ability through career or community achievements, concern for the future of the Baton Rouge area and commitment to the program. Every July, a selection committee recommends thirty to thirty-five candidates, based on a cross-section of the community in terms of occupation, gender, race, age, and affiliations.

The Program

The Baton Rouge Area Leadership Program class commences nine months of training with a weekend opening retreat in August. From September to April, the class devotes an entire day, monthly, for lectures, discussions, field trips, and practical exercises pertinent to community issues. To conclude the program, a weekend closing retreat is held in May followed by a graduation ceremony in June.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Baton Rouge Area Leadership Program is designed to use a variety of resources and learning techniques. The topics are chosen based on key components inherent in the daily lives of the people of the Baton Rouge area.

Goals

To seek out, train, and promote high achievers for positions of voluntary responsibility in the community

To provide these developing leaders with practical information concerning community issues and problems

To establish a communication network among the existing and emerging leaders of the community

To challenge these leaders to increase their involvement in community affairs

Alumni

Thus far, more than 700 participants have successfully completed the program and become members of the Baton Rouge Area Leadership Alumni, Inc. As alums, graduates have the opportunity for continued community education through regular activities.

For more information about Baton Rouge Area Leadership Alumni, Inc., click here.